Inspiration Station
A bubbly, happy post of funsies
Ello my lil’ lassies and laddies,
Just popping in this week to share some positives. Currently jacked on iced matcha and carrot cake from Bongo Java, a board-game-packed coffee shop in eccentric East Nashville.
A man just walked in wearing full cowboy gear like it’s just another Tuesday. In fact, it is just another Tuesday ‘round these parts.
Disclaimer: This post includes rapid-fire writing and I’ll be minimally editing this post. Hurray!
GIDDY ON UP TO MY INSPIRATION STATION: Here’s a short list of what’s been making me feel alive lately. What about you? What’s your version of carrot cake at a local café?
— Fleabag on Amazon Prime — Swurrrr to Gerrrd!!!!! This show made me laugh the hardest I have laughed in years. When the Jesus painting falls off the wall while Fleabag is in confession with the Hot Priest…I died. My abs were legitimately sore the next day from gasping for air between cackles. If you know, you know.
If you’re into complex female characters, it’s worth paying close attention to how Phoebe Waller-Bridge handles grief and guilt without making it heavy-handed. We don’t get many shows that trust us to laugh and ache at the same time.
— “Digital Gardening” Podcast Episode — I cannot stop bingeing the podcast Wild Geese by Anna Howard — a mere civilian living in NYC, whom I’d consider as my closest parasocial friendship. If you love Mary Oliver’s poetry, tips for creative living, with feminism sprinkled in… look no further. Every single episode hits.
The Digital Gardening episode is a prime resource for all people looking to consume content more intentionally, and actually remember the things that matter to you. Be it books, movies, tv series, Substack articles, Tiktoks, Youtube — whatever. Digital gardening is also a practice to know yourself better, and to compile all of your curiosities together in one place where they can connect, evolve, and grow over time.
— I don’t mean to brag but… yesterday I snagged a ticket to see THEE Elizabeth Gilbert in Nashville as part of her upcoming book tour! I’ve been a Lizzy superfan since Big Magic changed my life in 2019. I’m actively manifesting working with her someday. She is such a light in this world, and I encourage you to go check out her Substack “Letters from Love” right this very instant. It’s basically my Sunday church at this point. This post in particular changed my entire perspective on confronting change. I spent hours reading through 500+ letters in the comments. Crying. Snotting. Healing.
Other Happy Life Updates:
I’m not squishy anymore!!
My HIIT instructor, Kristie, pulled me aside after class last week. ‘Your legs!’ she said. Then launched into a passionate monologue about the benefits of creatine for women. I’m a total sucker. Ordered it. But I feel strong. And let me tell ya, exercise is keeping me sane.
I picked up a second job and I’m a busy busy werkin’ gurl!
Being a waitress is low-key so much fun. I’m being deadass. I get so much joy from chatting with people and serving them delicious street-style tacos and margaritas. Cannot complain about the extra savings too!
The people I work with are young and fun and down to clown. Like my coworker Writer Tom, who accompanied me to this very coffee shop and kicked my butt at this board game.
Despite the depressing news reports, most people here are… nice!
Serving tables, I’ve had many complete strangers ask me my story, and when I tell them, “Well, I actually just moved back to the US after traveling throughout my 20s and it’s all pretty overwhelming and weird so I’m just getting back on my feet and staying open”… they react with so much genuine encouragement and well wishes. They throw their hands up and say, “Don’t worry, none of us have it figured out either!” A few people have even dropped me their numbers on their receipts or napkins, telling me, “Please text me if you ever wanna hang out.”
HOW PRECIOUS. There are kind people out there, my friends!
As for music... I’m blocked.
I suspect it has a lot to do with cohabitating with my parents. How can I play piano and sing about my deepest feelings with my mother just down the stairs, cooking spaghetti? And my father at his desk across the room, on a Zoom call? It’s no one’s fault.
So for now—I paint. I sing in the car. I write to you. It’s something.
Write me anytime. I’d truly love to hear from you. What’s tickling your fancy as we catapult into the heat of summer?
Wherever you are, may your day behold something soft, silly, or surprising.
Too-da-loo for now,
PS: Go watch Fleabag right now.
Sydney SOOO happy to hear you are fully engaged in your new world! Bravo! I LOVE waiting tables. I miss it actually. a GREAT Service and human interchange. pure love-feeding others and being happy. Bravo!